New HSE Autism Protocol Could «Harm Children», Lengthen CAMHS Waiting Lists
Advocacy groups and the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland warn that the HSE’s new autism protocol, effective mid-2027, could «harm children» and lengthen CAMHS waiting lists. They fear the tiered assessment may be inadequate and not improve services. The HSE expects it to reduce AON demand and plans to recruit teams to address concerns.
Advocacy groups Neurodiversity Ireland, ADHD Ireland, and AsIAm, along with the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, express significant concerns regarding the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) new autism assessment and intervention pathway protocol, set to come into force in mid-2027. They warn it could «harm children» and exacerbate existing waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The protocol introduces a three-tiered assessment approach, differing from the statutory Assessment of Needs (AON) under the 2005 Disability Act. While AONs are conducted by multidisciplinary teams, the new protocol will offer assessments across various HSE services, including CAMHS and primary care teams. Concerns primarily focus on Tier 1, which campaigners fear may lack the detailed examination of a person’s support needs.
Critics argue the protocol is a «waiting-list initiative» rather than an improvement in services. Dr. Sonia Morris of ADHD Ireland stated that «harm happens when there are inadequate assessments,» warning that CAMHS waiting lists for ADHD could «spiral» if clinicians take on autism assessments. Adam Harris of AsIAm emphasized it should not be an alternative to AON. The HSE, however, anticipates the protocol will reduce AON demand and has engaged positively with charities, planning recruitment of in-reach teams to address resourcing concerns and upskill community teams.